The Best FREE Things to do in Bayport, Minnesota

Tight-knit, smaller communities like Bayport often have a reputation as “sleepy” towns. They don’t draw crowds like the Twin Cities, and people assume they don’t have much to offer entertainment-wise.

We know better. FSBT has been serving communities in and around the St. Croix Valley for over 100 years, so we know all the best spots. In this article, we’ve laid out some of the best hidden gems in Bayport that are totally free, so you can focus on getting out and spending time with the family without worrying about breaking the bank.

Bayport Parks & Outdoor Recreation

One of Bayport’s best features is its proximity to the St. Croix River.  In addition to the river, be sure to visit one of the four parks our town has to offer: Barker’s Alps, Perro, Village Green, and Lakeside. All offer unique opportunities for short hikes and sightseeing, as well as bike paths, tennis courts, and pavilions for outdoor meals. Swimming and boating are popular during the warmer months, with plenty of fish to catch and sandy banks to relax on.

The beautiful outdoor spaces and breadth of available recreation make any of the parks an ideal choice for families looking to get out and have fun together. Just be sure to take timing into account, as the parks close at sundown, which will shift significantly during the year.

Just a few miles down the road, Teddy Bear Park is another popular attraction for families with young children. Compact and colorful, Teddy Bear Park has opportunities for children to have fun without ever leaving their parents' sight. It’s also totally free to the public, and open daily from 8am-8pm during the season (Mid-Spring to Early Fall).

If you are visiting Bayport, September 12, join us at our Bayport office from 3pm-7pm for our annual Bayport Bash. We’ll be serving chicken sandwiches from Big Guys BBQ, ice cream from Mabel’s Ice Cream and Coffee Shop, while WDGY helps ease the end-of-summer blues with some sweet tunes. The Bash is open to the public and full of chances at family fun, so be sure to stop by if you’re in the neighborhood.

Organized by volunteers of the Bayport Community Action League, Derby Days is back in Bayport September 20-21! The weekend kicks off Friday night at 5pm with a big top circus-themed party in the park. Enjoy live music, outdoor games and much more at Perro Park/Legion Field.

For a full list of events happening on Saturday, visit the BCAL website and while there, you can also purchase your duck for the Duck Races happening at noon on the 21^st. And don’t forget about fireworks beginning at 8:30 Saturday night. This community tradition is one we look forward to every year and we are proud to be a sponsor. 

Whether you are new to Bayport or are thinking of becoming a resident of the beautiful St. Croix Valley, becoming a part of First State Bank and Trust should be your first priority. We have faithfully served the community for over a century, and are committed to providing forward-thinking financial care to each and every client. Request an appointment at your nearest location or online, and we can begin working together on crafting a path towards a brighter financial future for you and your family.